Big Nev, best in the world

[Groucho]

Been done before but hey, it's the close season and nothing's doing and I think it'd be good to use the dead time to appreciate the good points and players of Everton, so let's look at the best goalkeeper there has ever been.

I was lucky enough to have seen him in his '80's best, yet even in his later career he was still better than a lot of goalies. In the post match interview after the '95 FA Cup final, a beaten and trophy-less Alex Ferguson spoke about Nev with a smile on his face, unable to hide the appreciation for the talent he still possessed.

Kevin Ratcliffe says that at one stage, Howard Kendall told the players in certain areas not to risk booking/red cards from rash tackles, but just to let the opposition shoot, as they were 99% sure Nev would save it.

Best player I've ever seen.

 

[koolblue77]

The closest I've seen to Big Nev is Schmeichel. Would love a 25 year old Southall between the sticks for us.

 

[Groucho]

The closest I've seen to Big Nev is Schmeichel. Would love a 25 year old Southall between the sticks for us.

Schmeichel was very very good, but in my opinion, Neville was more talented.

Man U signed him because Nev turned them down.

 

[Eggs]

....world class is a phrase too often bandied about but in this instance it is perfectly appropriate.

I had access to Bellefield and to watch him making save after save in a repetitive session with Mick Lyons blasting the ball at him from 7 yards was amazing. It got to a point were incredible saves were taken for granted.

 

[JammyP]

Gordon West was inspirational when I was a boy. Fearless, and one of the greats. Not to knock big Nev who is absolutely up there...

 

[koolblue77]

Schmeichel was very very good, but in my opinion, Neville was more talented.

Man U signed him because Nev turned them down.

Agree with you 100% Groucho.

He was a natural. Never seen anyone with better handling than him in my lifetime. Doubt I ever will again.

 

[kithnou]

It really was an exhilarating feeling watching him at his prime, knowing we were privileged as Evertonians to have the best player in the world in his position playing for us.

Just the best.

The only other time I felt that way as was with Lineker as our striker, although there may be some that would dispute that.

Southall was indisputable.

 

[Donald Twain]

Just pure class , even his sit down had quality.

 

[flibbyflob]

Southall was immense, as is said above Schmeichel is the nearest to him but Nev was miles ahead of him, he was that good. An honour to have seen him play for us and know he is one of us.

 

[kev]

It really was an exhilarating feeling watching him at his prime, knowing we were privileged as Evertonians to have the best player in the world in his position playing for us.

Just the best.

The only other time I felt that way as was with Lineker as our striker, although there may be some that would dispute that.

Southall was indisputable.

In his prime Neville Southall WAS indisputably the best goalkeeper in the world. The fact that he was playing his club football at Everton throughout that time makes him stand out head and shoulders over all our 'legends'

 

[Armchair Dave]

Would love to have him back in coaching capacity, but no way you can teach that, as many of said it was just natural talent.

I still firmly believe the last trophy we won was down to him and the saves he made, not to take anything away from the rest of the team though.

 

[CrustySack]

It used to tickle me when he would catch the ball with one hand. He would just grab it out of the air. Privelidged to see him play in all honesty.

 

[Real_madras]

My hero, growing up. For a keeper to win the football writer's player of the year award, in a league winning season. Shows just how good he was.

 

[Blackwell Livermore]

Ruud Gullit has said so much.

 

[nsno-chris]

Best keeper in the world at one stage.

Doesn't get any credit from anyone outside of Everton it's disgusting. Woods, Shilton, seaman all mentioned as the best British keepers. Not one of them fit enough to.lace his boots

Big nev, the man